A dedicated preventive protocol sustainably avoids spinal cord ischemia after endovascular aortic repair.

Objective: To analyze the incidence of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after complex endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) after the introduction of a dedicated SCI preventive protocol. Methods: Retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing complex EVAR with branched (BEVAR) and/or fenestrated grafts (FEVAR) during a 6-year period starting January 1st, 2015. The preventive protocol consisted of staging extensive aortic repairs, maintaining a mean arterial pressure (MAP) >80 mm Hg, Hb level >110 g/L, early lower limb reperfusion and neurological control per hour during the post-operative stay in the intensive care unit (36-72 h). Prophylactic cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) was used selectively. Pre- intra-, and 30-day postoperative clinical data and imaging were collected. Primary end point was the development of perioperative SCI. Secondary outcome included technical and clinical success. Results: Complex EVAR was performed in 205 patients (167 males, 72 (67-75) years, 182 (88.8%) elective) with juxtarenal aneurysms (JRA, 155 patients) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA). SCI occurred after JRA repair in two patients (1.3%, both ruptures) and after TAAA repair in three (6.0%, one rupture) (p = 0.06), all within 9 h postoperatively. There was symptom regression in three cases (one partial, two complete), resulting in a persistent SCI level of 0.6% and 4.0% for JRA and TAAA, respectively. Only one patient with persistent SCI could be discharged from the hospital alive. Patients developing SCI were more commonly female (n = 3, p = .016), presented with rupture (n = 3, p < .001), had preoperative renal insufficiency (n = 5, p < .001) and had lower minimal MAP (p = .015). No regression analysis was done due to the limited number of SCI events in relation to the study population size. Primary technical success was achieved in 162 patients (83.5%) and clinical success in 153 patients (75.4%), without any differences between the groups. Conclusions: The incidence of persistent SCI after complex EVAR is low with the use of a dedicated SCI preventive protocol allowing the early diagnosis. Females, patients with ruptured aneurysms and preoperative renal insufficiency are at higher risk. Further studies are needed to customize the protocols particularly in those high-risk patients.

An international, expert-based, Delphi consensus document on controversial issues in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: As a result of conflicting, inadequate or controversial data in the literature, several issues concerning the management of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) remain unanswered. The aim of this international, expert-based Delphi consensus document was to provide some guidance for clinicians on these controversial topics. METHODS: A three-round Delphi consensus document was produced with 44 experts on 6 prespecified topics regarding the management of AAAs. All answers were provided anonymously. The response rate for each round was 100%. RESULTS: Most participants (42 of 44 [95.4%]) agreed that a minimum case volume per year is essential (or probably essential) for a center to offer open or endovascular AAA repair (EVAR). Furthermore, 33 of 44 (75.0%) believed that AAA screening programs are (probably) still clinically effective and cost effective. Additionally, most panelists (36 of 44 [81.9%]) voted that surveillance after EVAR should be (or should probably be) lifelong. Finally, 35 of 44 participants (79.7%) thought that women smokers should (or should probably/possibly) be considered for screening at 65 years of age, similar to men. No consensus was achieved regarding lowering the threshold for AAA repair and the need for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in patients undergoing EVAR. CONCLUSIONS: This expert-based Delphi consensus document provides guidance for clinicians regarding specific unresolved issues. Consensus could not be achieved on some topics, highlighting the need for further research in those areas.

The "Pre-Rotating Dilator Technique" for Optimal Endograft Orientation in Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel technique for optimal orientation and accurate deployment of aortic endografts during complex endovascular aortic repair (cEVAR). TECHNIQUE: After establishing the femoral access in the standard fashion, a long large-bore dilator is inserted before the cEVAR delivery system. The dilator is advanced beyond the renovisceral segment noticing the degree of axial rotation. The endograft markers are verified with fluoroscopy outside the patient in the standard way. Thereafter, the cEVAR delivery system is pre-emptively rotated by the same degree in the opposite direction than the dilator showed upon insertion. The endograft is then advanced into position with the markers ending with the markers roughly in position. Minor adjustments are done before and during deployment if needed as per standard technique. CONCLUSION: The use of long, large-bore dilator before the introduction of the aortic graft allows to proactively minimize the risk of endograft misalignment and malrotation especially in cases with challenging anatomies in both the visceral and iliac segments. This can potentially be used in all cases because it minimizes the manipulation of the delivery system and potentially increases the accuracy of endograft deployment. CLINICAL IMPACT: This report describes a novel technique involving the use of a long large-bore dilator to predict the degree of rotation of the cEVAR delivery system during insertion and thereby enabling a pre-emptive compensation. This facilitates the precise orientation of the main aortic endograft with an easier alignment of any branches and/or fenestrations to their respective target arteries. This approach holds the potential to mitigate several of the difficulties commonly encountered with current cEVAR solutions, especially the challenges posed by small and tortuous access and severe angulation in the iliac and visceral aortic segment.

Fenestrated Endovascular Repair Using Short Tipped Distal Components with No Cross Concept to Prevent Crushing of Target Vessel Bridging Stents.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and evaluate early and midterm outcomes of a novel no cross approach with short tip vs. standard tip introducer systems for all distal components to prevent target vessel bridging stent kink or collapse during fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent FEVAR at a tertiary referral centre between October 2016 and July 2022. The inclusion criterion was the use of renal artery fenestrations. Patients who had chronic dissections were included. Endpoints were analysed in two groups comprising the no cross group and the standard group, with all cases being consecutive in their respective groups. Cone beam computed tomography was used intra-operatively in all cases, and post-operative computed tomography angiograms and re-interventions were reviewed. Primary endpoints included technical success, intra-operative adjunctive procedures, adverse events related to the fenestration, and re-interventions, while secondary endpoints were secondary interventions and overall mortality rate. RESULTS: Seventy patients (35 in each group) were enrolled in the study, with 64 (91%) having juxtarenal aneurysms. There were no differences in demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, or aneurysm characteristics between the two groups. The no cross group demonstrated a significantly higher technical success rate (100% in all cases) compared with the standard group (29 cases, 83%; p = .010). Additionally, there were statistically significantly fewer intra-operative adjunctive procedures required in the no cross group (1.5% of fenestrations) compared with the standard group (8.2% of fenestrations) (p = .013). The overall median follow up was 32 months (interquartile range 22, 62 months). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a novel no cross concept during FEVAR, using a short dilator introducer tip on the distal bifurcated component and iliac extensions, significantly reduced intra-operative fenestration related adverse events and enhanced technical success. Further studies with larger patient populations and longer follow up are needed to confirm these findings.

The role of CT-assessed sarcopenia and visceral adipose tissue in predicting long-term survival in patients undergoing elective endovascular infrarenal aortic repair.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if ileo-psoas muscle size and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) can predict long-term survival after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: Patients who underwent EVAR between 2004 and 2012 in a single centre were included. Total psoas muscle area (TPA), abdominal VAT area, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and total adipose tissue were measured on the preoperative CT. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Values are presented as median and interquartile range or absolute number and percentage. Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the associations with mortality. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-four patients could be included in the study. During a median follow-up of 8 (4-11) years, 223 (79.9%) patients died. Age (P ≤ .001), cardiovascular (P = .041), cerebrovascular (P = .009), renal diseases (P = .002), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P ≤ .001) were independently associated with mortality. TPA was associated with mortality in a univariate (P = .040), but not in a multivariate regression model (P = .764). No significant association was found between mortality and TPA index (P = .103) or any of the adiposity measurements with the exception of SAT (P = .040). However, SAT area loss in a multivariate analysis (P = .875). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of core muscle size and VAT did not contribute to improving the prediction of long-term survival after EVAR. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: The finding of this study contradicts the previously claimed utility of core muscle size and VAT in predicting long-term survival after EVAR.

Multicentric Use of Commercially Available Infrarenal Endografts During Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and short-term outcomes of different manufactured proximal and distal stent graft components during fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review was conducted at 3 aortic centers, involving all consecutive patients who underwent FEVAR utilizing a customized Dacron-based tubular proximal and a distal bifurcated polytetrafluoreten (PTFE)-based commercially available stent grafts. Primary outcomes were 30 day mortality, major adverse events, and technical and clinical success. Secondary outcomes assessed stent graft migration, occurrence of types I/III endoleak, and reintervention. RESULTS: A total of 23 FEVAR cases across all centers were included in this study. Technical success was achieved in all cases, with a median procedure time of 183 (153-244) minutes. There were no major adverse events, except for 1 transient acute renal failure. The median follow-up period was 23 (17-28) months. All target vessels retained patent with the exception of 1 right renal fenestration that showed signs of kinking at the first follow-up, and despite secondary intervention with relining and distal extension, there was an occlusion afterward and 1 hepatic artery with a separate fenestration. This and 1 successful relining of a superior mesenteric artery kink were the only reinterventions in this cohort. One case of persistent type 1b endoleak was reported in a patient with chronic type B aortic dissection, which resolved with distal extension on the external iliac artery 5 months after the index procedure. No deaths occurred throughout the follow-up with, and there were no signs of stent graft migration or type 3 endoleak. CONCLUSION: The use of commercially available PTFE-based bifurcated stent grafts to extend distally the tubular graft appears to be a feasible approach during FEVAR, with promising short-term outcomes. Further studies are necessary to define the applicability of this solution and evaluate long-term outcomes. CLINICAL IMPACT: This multicentric study on fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) demonstrates the feasibility and good short-term outcomes of utilizing a PTFE-based commercially available stent graft to extend the proximal tubular custom-made fenestrated stent graft. The high technical success rate, absence of major adverse events, and low occurrence of complications such as stent graft migration and endoleaks highlight the potential clinical benefits of this approach with an off-the-shelf distal extension whose delivery system does not cross the fenestrations intraoperatively.

Multicentre Experience with Novel Bidirectional Double Cuffed Inner Branches for Complex Endovascular Aortic Repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the initial experience with a novel bidirectional double cuff inner branch design for incorporation of renal and mesenteric arteries in patients undergoing fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR). METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of the experience of F/BEVAR with grafts integrating at least one bidirectional double cuffed inner branch implanted at three tertiary aortic centres between March 2022 and June 2023. All consecutive patients were included. Baseline characteristics, operative data, and follow up data were collected. Results were presented as number or median (interquartile range) unless otherwise stated. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (10 male; median age 72 [68, 77] years) had F/BEVAR using a total of 15 bidirectional double cuffed inner branches (30 cuffs). Indications for bidirectional doubled cuffed inner branches included cranial vessel orientation or double renal arteries in four patients each, common coeliomesenteric trunk in three patients, and early renal artery bifurcation, renal artery origin from a false lumen requiring a flexible route for catheterisation, and surplus configuration in one patient each. Twenty three of the 30 cuffs were used, whereas the remaining seven cuffs were intentionally occluded with vascular plugs. Target vessel incorporation was successful in all bidirectional branches. There was one technical failure related to unsuccessful catheterisation of a left renal artery targeted through a unidirectional caudal inner branch. During a median follow up of seven months there were no instances of target vessel instability or re-interventions and two patients died of causes unrelated to the bidirectional branches. CONCLUSION: The results of the use of bidirectional double cuff inner branches are promising, with high technical success and no short term branch related complications in this preliminary experience. This could potentially expand the applicability of branch endografting of complex endovascular aortic repairs, but long term results are still missing.

Endovascular Repair of One-hundred Urgent and Emergent free or Contained Thoraco-abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Ruptures. An International Multi-Center Trans-Atlantic experience.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of urgent/emergent endovascular aortic repair of patients with free/contained ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (rTAAA). BACKGROUND: Endovascular repair of rTAAA has been scarcely described in emergent setting. METHODS: An international multicenter retrospective observational study (ClinicalTrials.govID:NCT05956873) from January-2015 to January-2023 in 6 European and 1 United States Vascular Surgery Centers. Primary end-points were technical success, 30-day and/or in-hospital mortality and follow-up survival. RESULTS: A total of 100 rTAAA patients were included (75 male; mean age 73 y). All patients (86 contained and 14 free ruptures) were symptomatic and treated within 24-hours from diagnosis: multi-branched off-the-shelf devices (Zenith t-branch,Cook Medical Inc.Bjaeverskov,Denmark) in 88 patients, physician-modified endografts in 8, patient-specific device or parallel grafts in two patients each. Primary technical success was achieved in 89 patients and 30-day and/or in-hospital mortality was 24%. Major adverse events (MAEs) occurred in 34% of patients (permanent dialysis and paraplegia in 4 and 8 patients, respectively). No statistical differences were detected in mortality rates between free and contained ruptured patients (43%vs.21%; P =0.075). Multivariate analysis revealed contained rupture favoring technical success (Odd-Ratio10.1;95%Confidence-Interval:3.0-33.6; P =<0.001). MAEs (OR9.4;95%C-I:2.8-30.5; P =<0.001) and pulmonary complications (OR11.3;95%CI:3.0-41.5; P =<0.001) were independent risk factors for 30-day and/or in-hospital mortality. Median follow-up time was 13 months (interquartile range 5-24); 1-year survival rate was 65%. Aneurysm diameter>80 mm (Hazard-Ratio:2.0;95%CI:1.0-30.5; P =0.037), technical failure (HR:2.6;95%CI:1.1-6.5; P =0.045) and pulmonary complications (HR:3.0;95%CI:1.2-7.9; P =0.021) were independent risk factors for follow-up mortality. CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair of rTAAA shows high technical success; the presence of free rupture alone appear not to correlate with early mortality. Effective prevention/management of post-operative complications is crucial for survival.

Integration of a Custom-Made Fenestration to Simplify Acute Reno-Visceral In Situ Aortic Repair.

PURPOSE: To illustrate the technique of antegrade in situ laser fenestration (ISLF) on a predesign custom-manufactured stent-graft with single reinforced fenestration for use in emergency endovascular repair of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). TECHNIQUE: A short custom-made device (CMD) fenestrated graft was predesigned with a single preloaded 8 mm strut-free fenestration at 12 o'clock position. A modified preloaded system was used to allow unilateral access from the distal port if necessary. After bilateral percutaneous femoral access, the graft was deployed under fusion guidance with the CMD fenestration matching the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) origin and immediately bridged as per standard technique. The aneurysm was then excluded with a bifurcated device. A large steerable sheath was used to allow for sequential antegrade laser in situ fenestration and stenting of the renal arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Single-vessel customized short fenestrated grafts for the SMA and antegrade in situ laser renal fenestrations are technically feasible for repair of acute complex AAAs even after previous infrarenal reconstruction. It could become an off-the-shelf solution to limit aortic coverage and reno-visceral ischemia, even in patients with a narrow aortic diameter at the renal level. CLINICAL IMPACT: Single-vessel precustomized short fenestrated grafts for the SMA combined with renal artery antegrade ISLF can be a feasible option for the acute repair of patients with complex aneurysms and a narrow aortic diameter at the reno-visceral segment. It may limit aortic coverage and reno-visceral ischemic time and also be applicable after previous infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Outcomes of Elective and Non-elective Fenestrated-branched Endovascular Aortic Repair for Treatment of Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To describe outcomes after elective and non-elective fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). BACKGROUND: FB-EVAR has been increasingly utilized to treat TAAAs; however, outcomes after non-elective versus elective repair are not well described. METHODS: Clinical data of consecutive patients undergoing FB-EVAR for TAAAs at 24 centers (2006-2021) were reviewed. Endpoints including early mortality and major adverse events (MAEs), all-cause mortality, and aortic-related mortality (ARM), were analyzed and compared in patients who had non-elective versus elective repair. RESULTS: A total of 2603 patients (69% males; mean age 72±10 year old) underwent FB-EVAR for TAAAs. Elective repair was performed in 2187 patients (84%) and non-elective repair in 416 patients [16%; 268 (64%) symptomatic, 148 (36%) ruptured]. Non-elective FB-EVAR was associated with higher early mortality (17% vs 5%, P <0.001) and rates of MAEs (34% vs 20%, P <0.001). Median follow-up was 15 months (interquartile range, 7-37 months). Survival and cumulative incidence of ARM at 3 years were both lower for non-elective versus elective patients (50±4% vs 70±1% and 21±3% vs 7±1%, P <0.001). On multivariable analysis, non-elective repair was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.92; 95% CI] 1.50-2.44; P <0.001) and ARM (hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.63-3.62; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Non-elective FB-EVAR of symptomatic or ruptured TAAAs is feasible, but carries higher incidence of early MAEs and increased all-cause mortality and ARM than elective repair. Long-term follow-up is warranted to justify the treatment.

Percutaneous access of an intraoperatively recanalized mid-superficial femoral artery for distal lower limb revascularization.

A 61-year-old male patient presented with rest pain and ulceration in his left leg 1 week after a hybrid procedure with bilateral external iliac stenting, common femoral artery thromboendarterectomy, and left-sided femoral popliteal bypass with an in situ saphenous vein. The bypass had been stented intraoperatively but had again become occluded directly after surgery. In the present report, we demonstrate the usefulness of direct percutaneous access to the mid-superficial femoral artery that had been intraoperatively recanalized via brachial artery access during the same procedure. This innovative combination of approaches allows for proximal and distal lower limb revascularization with stenting when avoidance of femoral artery access is considered appropriate.

Infective popliteal artery aneurysm by Streptococcus equi: An unusual pathogen.

We report the case of a 63-year-old man who presented with a 2-week complaint of lower extremity pain, swelling, and low-grade fever after an episode of septic arthritis in the ipsilateral knee. The investigation showed a rapidly expanding popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA). The rare clinical entity of an infective PAA was suspected and was confirmed by the cultures obtained at the right femoropopliteal bypass with an autologous vein graft and subtotal resection of the aneurysm sac. Streptococcus equi was identified as the primary pathogen, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously described for an infective PAA.

Comparison of single- and multistage strategies during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of single or multistage approach during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (FB-EVAR) of extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of consecutive patients treated by FB-EVAR for extent I to III TAAAs in 24 centers (2006-2021). All patients received a single brand manufactured patient-specific or off-the-shelf fenestrated-branched stent grafts. Staging strategies included proximal thoracic aortic repair, minimally invasive segmental artery coil embolization, temporary aneurysm sac perfusion and combinations of these techniques. Endpoints were analyzed for elective repair in patients who had a single- or multistage approach before and after propensity score adjustment for baseline differences, including the composite 30-day/in-hospital mortality and/or permanent paraplegia, major adverse event, patient survival, and freedom from aortic-related mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1947 patients (65% male; mean age, 71 ± 8 years) underwent FB-EVAR of 155 extent I (10%), 729 extent II (46%), and 713 extent III TAAAs (44%). A single-stage approach was used in 939 patients (48%) and a multistage approach in 1008 patients (52%). A multistage approach was more frequently used in patients undergoing elective compared with non-elective repair (55% vs 35%; P < .001). Staging strategies were proximal thoracic aortic repair in 743 patients (74%), temporary aneurysm sac perfusion in 128 (13%), minimally invasive segmental artery coil embolization in 10 (1%), and combinations in 127 (12%). Among patients undergoing elective repair (n = 1597), the composite endpoint of 30-day/in-hospital mortality and/or permanent paraplegia rate occurred in 14% of single-stage and 6% of multistage approach patients (P < .001). After adjustment with a propensity score, multistage approach was associated with lower rates of 30-day/in-hospital mortality and/or permanent paraplegia (odds ratio, 0.466; 95% confidence interval, 0.271-0.801; P = .006) and higher patient survival at 1 year (86.9±1.3% vs 79.6±1.7%) and 3 years (72.7±2.1% vs 64.2±2.3%; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.714; 95% confidence interval, 0.528-0.966; P = .029), compared with a single stage approach. CONCLUSIONS: Staging elective FB-EVAR of extent I to III TAAAs was associated with decreased risk of mortality and/or permanent paraplegia at 30 days or within hospital stay, and with higher patient survival at 1 and 3 years.

Iliac Branch Devices in the Repair of Ruptured Aorto-iliac Aneurysms: A Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of preserving the internal iliac artery (IIA) with iliac branched devices (IBDs) during acute endovascular repair of ruptured aortoiliac aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective review of all consecutive patients undergoing acute endovascular repair of ruptured aortoiliac aneurysm with an IBD at 8 aortic centers between December 2012 and June 2020. A control group was used where the IIA was intentionally occluded from the same study period. The main outcome measures were 30-day mortality, major adverse events, technical success, and clinical success. Secondary outcomes were buttock claudication, primary patency, primary-assisted and secondary patency of the IBD, occurrence of endoleak types I/III, and reintervention. Values are presented as numbers and percentages or interquartile range in parenthesis. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included in the study: 24 with IBD and 24 with IIA occlusion. There was no difference in demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and aneurysm extent. Twenty (83%) of them were hemodynamically stable during the procedure as opposed to 14 (58%, p=.23) with the IIA occlusion. Technical success was achieved in all cases with a procedure time of 180 (133-254) minutes, 45 (23-65) of which were from IBD. There were 2 (8%) deaths during the first 30 days and 2 (8%) major complications unrelated to the IBD, whereas in the IIA occlusion, the figures were 10 (42%) and 7 (29%), respectively. No patient in the IBD group developed buttock claudication compared to 8 (57%, p<.0001) in the IIA occlusion group; 1 (4%) patient developed bowel ischemia on both groups, with 1 in the IIA occlusion group needing resection. The median follow-up duration was 17 months (interquartile range 2-39) for the IBD group, with a primary patency of 60±14% at 3 years that went up to 92±8% with reinterventions (8 reinterventions in 6 patients). When the first 90 days were disregarded, there were no differences in survival between the groups. CONCLUSION: IBD is a valid alternative for maintaining the pelvic circulation for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair of ruptured aortoiliac aneurysms. The technical success and midterm outcomes are very satisfactory but require patient selection particularly regarding hemodynamic stability. The reintervention rate is considerable, mandating continuous follow-up. CLINICAL IMPACT: This multicenter study demonstrates that ruptured aortoiliac aneurysms do not necessarily require mandatory occlusion of hypogastric arteries. Iliac branch devices are shown to be a valid alternative in highly selected cases, with good midterm results, even if reinterventions are required in a significant proportion of patients.

Inferior Vena Cava-Balloon Occlusion and Its Effect on the Myocardium During Endograft Deployment in the Arch.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of cava balloon occlusion on the myocardium during endovascular repair of thoracic aortic pathologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study of 21 patients who underwent endovascular repair of aortic arch and thoracic aorta in a single tertiary referral center with use of inferior vena cava (IVC) balloon occlusion as a method of intraoperative cardiac output reduction. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative measurements of heart rate, blood pressure, stroke volume index, and central venous oxygen saturation were noted. High-sensitive serum troponin levels were also analyzed according to a pre-established protocol. Endpoints were cardiac troponin T levels after induced hypotension and left ventricular ejection fraction during follow-up. Secondary endpoints were procedure technical success and overall survival. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (18 male, median age 69, (62-75, IQR)) enrolled in the study between May 2015 and January 2019. Indication for endovascular treatment was an aortic arch aneurysm (n=10), descending aortic aneurysm (n=8), lusorian artery aneurysm (n=2), and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (n=1). Median time to reach half mean arterial pressure was 60 seconds while median recovery time of blood pressure was 135 seconds. In 5 (24%) cases, we observed a > 50% change of Troponin T on the reference level. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Two (10%) patients developed new and persistent atrial fibrillation and 1 (5%) suffered a peri-operative ST-elevation myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: The use of IVC balloon occlusion is a feasible technique for cardiac output reduction during endovascular repair of thoracic aortic pathologies. One fourth of the patients develop significant troponin leakage but the significance of the finding needs further studies.

European Multicentric Experience With Fenestrated-branched ENDOvascular Stent Grafting After Previous FAILed Infrarenal Aortic Repair: The EU-FBENDO-FAIL Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To report the mid-term outcomes of fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR) following a failed previous endovascular aneurysm repair (pEVAR) or previous open aneurysm repair (pOAR). METHODS: Data from consecutive patients who underwent F-BEVAR for pEVAR or pOAR from 2006 to 2021 from 17 European vascular centers were analyzed. Endpoints included technical success, major adverse events, 30-day mortality, and 5-year estimates of survival, target vessel primary patency, freedom from reinterventions, type I/III endoleaks, and sac growth >5 mm. BACKGROUND: Treatment of a failed previous abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is a complex undertaking. F-BEVAR is becoming an increasingly attractive option, although comparative data are limited regarding associated risk factors, indications for treatment, and various outcomes. RESULTS: There were 526 patients included, 268 pOAR and 258 pEVAR. The median time from previous repair to F-BEVAR was 7 (interquartile range, 4-12) years, 5 (3-8) for pEVAR, and 10 (6-14) for pOAR, P <0.001. Predominant indication for treatment was type Ia endoleak for pEVAR and progression of the disease for pOAR. Technical success was 92.8%, pOAR (92.2%), and pEVAR (93.4%), P =0.58. The 30-day mortality was 6.5% overall, 6.7% for pOAR, and 6.2% for pEVAR, P =0.81. There were 1853 treated target vessels with 5-year estimates of primary patency of 94.4%, pEVAR (95.2%), and pOAR (94.4%), P =0.03. Five-year estimates for freedom from type I/III endoleaks were similar between groups; freedom from reintervention was lower for pEVAR (38.3%) than for pOAR (56.0%), P =0.004. The most common indication for reinterventions was for type I/III endoleaks (37.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Repair of a failed pEVAR or pOARis safe and feasible with comparable technical success and survival rates. While successful treatment can be achieved, significant rates of reintervention should be anticipated, particularly for issues related to instability of target vessels/bridging stents.

Double-Cuff Bidirectional Branch in Endovascular Aortic Repair: A New Way of Increasing the Flexibility of Inner Branch Endografting.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe the design and implantation of a branched stent-graft during endovascular aortic repair incorporating double-cuff bidirectional inner branch. TECHNIQUE: A new double-cuff bidirectional antegrade and retrograde inner branched stent-graft with large diamond-shaped fenestration was designed for incorporation of a splenic artery. The inner cuffs of the branch were accessible using brachial and/or femoral access. The splenic artery was originating from an aortic segment with narrow inner aortic luminal diameter in a patient with extent IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm with bilobed configuration. The retrograde, more distal inner cuff of the branch was extended into the splenic artery using a self-expandable bridging stent-graft from the femoral approach, whereas the antegrade, more proximal inner cuff of the branch was intentionally occluded using an endovascular plug. The recovery was uneventful and a computed tomography angiography 30 days postoperatively showed patency of all the target vessels without signs of endoleaks. CONCLUSION: This is the first design of a double-cuff bidirectional inner branched stent-graft. The technique can potentially expand the applications of directional branches to patients with more difficult anatomy in the thoracoabdominal or aortic arch segments. Potential indications are patients with target arteries that are not ideally suited for caudally-oriented branches, patients with accessory vessels, or targets with early branch bifurcations. CLINICAL IMPACT: This report describes the use of a branched endograft with a new double-cuff bidirectional branch that can potentially address many of the limitations of current BEVAR solutions, such as early bifurcations, double arteries with adjacent origins and arteries with less favorable trajectories for the traditional caudally-oriented branches.

Crushing of a bridging stent during follow-up of endovascular branched aortic arch repair: A novel mode of failure.

A 68-year-old man developed aneurysmal degeneration of the aortic arch and proximal descending aorta after an open ascending graft for a type A aortic dissection. A three-branched endovascular aortic arch repair was performed with patency of all branches despite some degree of initial misalignment of the branches in relation to the target vessels. At 6 months postoperatively, an asymptomatic partial crushing of the left common carotid bridging grafts was observed on computed tomography angiography. This was treated by reinforcing the branch with a balloon-expandable endograft. The postoperative course was uneventful but a computed tomography angiography after 1 month showed recurrent asymptomatic compression. A left carotid-subclavian bypass was eventually performed. We have reported a new failure mode of an inner branch arch repair of residual type A chronic dissection.